How to Set Up the Center521 Bluetooth 4 Channel Data Logger Thermometer (IC-Center521)

Multi-channel data loggers allow for simultaneous temperature monitoring of several points. Multi-point monitoring provides a comprehensive overview of overall temperature and facilitates temperature comparison calculations.

The Center521 is a Bluetooth-enabled data logger thermometer that supports K, J, E, T, N, R, S types of thermocouple probes. The Center521 has several user-configurable features and functions, making it a highly versatile temperature monitoring tool.

Watch an Instrument Choice scientist run through the button functions and setup of the Center521 Bluetooth 4 Channel Data Logger Thermometer (IC-Center521) here

Batteries and Start-Up

1. Use a small screwdriver to unscrew and open the battery compartment on the back of the unit.
2. Insert the four included AAA batteries.
3. Reinstall the battery compartment cover and screw it into place.
4. Press the POWER button to switch on the unit.
5. Plug your electrode(s) to the desired channel on the top of the logger. The measured temperature will display almost instantly.

Button Functions 

Figure 1 Buttons on the Center521 4 Channel
Data Logger Thermometer

1. Power: The green button is the power key. Press this to switch on the unit and press and hold this for three seconds to switch the unit off.
2. HOLD: Pressing the HOLD button freezes the data on the LCD screen. When in hold mode, “HOLD” will display on the top of the LCD. Press the HOLD button again to exit data-hold mode and return to real-time measurements.
3. Backlight: The yellow button is the backlight button. Press this to turn on and off the backlight. Note: the backlight switches off after 30-seconds to conserve battery power.
4. C/F: Pressing the C/F button switches the display unit between Celcius and Fahrenheit.
5. MEM: Pressing this will save the current reading on the LCD screen for instant recall. When pressed, “MEM” and the stored reading group will display on the LCD.
6. SET: Pressing SET enters into the setup menu. Within the setup menu, press the up, down, left, right arrows to adjust parameters or move setting items. Press the MEM key to save changes and move onto the next setting option.
7. REC: Press the REC button to start recording data. When recording, “REC” will display on the screen. To exit data record mode, press REC again at any time.
   1. Data Record Note 1: When recording, most of the buttons are disabled – so before you begin data recording, ensure data record selections are made.
   2. Data Record Note 2: When the memory is full, “FULL” will display on the LCD, and the data logging will stop. If the battery power is critically low or becomes low during recording, the meter will automatically stop logging.
8. RECALL: To recall saved MEM readings, press the RECALL button. RECALL and the saved memory group reading number will display. The LCD shows the group number and the HOUR: MINUTE: SECOND on the screen for two seconds, then displays your readings. Press RECALL or the POWER key to exit RECALL mode.
9. MIN/MAX/AVG: Press this button to access stored MAXIMUM, MINIMUM and AVERAGE values. To exit this mode, press and hold the MIN/MAX/ABG button for two seconds.
   1. Pressing MIN/MAX/AVG one time displays the maximum recorded value on the LCD. “MAX” will appear on the top of the screen.
   2. Pressing the MIN/MAX/AVG key a second time displays “MIN” on the top of the screen along with the minimum recorded temperature values.
   3. Pressing the MIN/MAX/AVG key a third time displays “AVG” on the top of the screen along with the average temperature values for each channel.
   4. Pressing the MIN/MAX/AVG key a fourth time will make the MAX, MIN and AVG symbols blink together as the readings display the real-time data.

Settings Menu

1. Press SET to enter into the settings menu.
2. The first setting option is to switch Bluetooth ON/OFF. Use the HOLD or REC key to switch Bluetooth on or off. When Bluetooth is on, the device enters into pairing mode, and a blue LED behind the SET key blinks every three seconds.
3. Press MEM to confirm your selection and move onto the next setting option.
4. Thermocouple type selection. Press the left or right keys to select your thermocouple type between K, J, E, T, N, R or S. (The unit comes with included type K thermocouples).
5. Press MEM to confirm your selection and move onto the next setting option.
6. The third set up screen is the adjustment of interval data for data storing. Use the left or right keys to move between the minute or second adjustment. Then use the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the values.
7. Press MEM to confirm your selection and move onto the next setting option.
8. The next setup option is the offset selection to compensate for probe errors. Use the left and right arrow buttons to select the thermocouple channel to be adjusted, then use the up and down selector keys to increase or decrease the value.
9. Press MEM to confirm your selection and move onto the next setting option.
10. Alarm point selection. Press the up and down arrows to turn alarms on or off.
11. Press MEM to confirm your selection and move onto the next setting option.
12. If alarms are switched on in step 11, use the arrow keys to adjust the high and low alarm values.
13. Press MEM to confirm your selection and move onto the next setting option.
14. Next is the T1-T2 subtraction mode setup. In T1-T2 subtraction mode set up, use the up and down arrows to turn the function on or off.
15. Press MEM to confirm your selection and move onto the next setting option.
16. The second last setup option is setting the automatic power-off time. Use the up or down arrows to select an automatic power-off option between 10 mins, 30 mins, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours or switch the function off so that the device remains on until manually powered off.
17. When your required AUTO-OFF TIME option appears on the LCD, press MEM to confirm your selection, then move onto the next setting option.
18. The last setup option for the Center521 is setting the system clock. The unit features a built-in clock so that the data logger function can record the date and time along with temperature measurements. Press the left or right arrow keys to select the year, date or time. The flashing value is the value to be adjusted. Then just the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the value.
19. When the time and date is set, press MEM to confirm.
20. The device will now automatically return to the start of the setup menu. Exit the setup menu and return to measurement mode by pressing the SET key.

Clearing Data Records

1. Start with the device off.
2. Press and hold the REC button and then press the and hold the POWER button.
3. Keep holding the REC and POWER button as the device switches on. The LCD will show REC, CLr and SURE =. It will then count down from 5 to 0.
4. When the device reaches zero, the data logger records will be cleared. The REC and POWER button can be released.

Clearing Data Memory

1. Start with your device off.
2. Press and hold the MEM button and then press and hold the POWER button.
3. Keep holding the MEM and POWER button as the device switches on. The LCD will show CLr and SURE – Then, it will count down from 5 to 0.
4. Once the device reaches 0, it will start to clear the instant readout memory records. It will start at 00 and move its way up to 99. To erase all records, keep holding both keys until the count reaches 99.

Conclusion

The Center521 Bluetooth 4 Channel Data Logger Thermometer is loaded with helpful features and user-configurable options, making it an excellent tool for use in any application requiring rapid and accurate multi-channel temperature monitoring.

For more information on this 4 Channel Data Logger, see the links below or contact us!

Additional links

• View the Center521 Bluetooth 4 Channel Data Logger Thermometer
• Watch "How to Set Up the Center521 Bluetooth 4 Channel Data Logger Thermometer IC-Center521)" again
• Learn how to connect your logger to the TestLink app in the video: "How to Connect the IC-Center521 4 Channel Data Logger to the TestLink App via Bluetooth."
• Want to see what comes in the box with the Center521 4 Channel Data Logger? Watch a scientist "Unboxing the IC-Center521 Bluetooth Thermometer 4 Channel Data Logger."